Lithuania Through the Eyes of U.S. Embassy Officials, Interns, Guests and Friends

Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Lithuanian Freedom Cheese: The Geopolitics of Gouda

If you have ever traveled, domestically or
internationally, then you are no doubt familiar with the pre-departure
onslaught of travel recommendations by family and friends. First, of course,
they warn you of the locals. “Keep your wallet in your front pocket,” they tell
you knowingly. “Or, better yet, store it in a pouch and wear it around your
neck. That way nobody can steal it.” Next, they offer advice on the “must-see
sights.” This is particularly true of those who have traveled to your intended
destination. “Oh, you’re going to Vilnius?” they’ll ask. “You have to see
Gediminas Tower!” And finally, they demand to know about the local cuisine. “So,
what do the people eat there?” they’ll inquire with bated breath. The experienced
traveler will then respond: “Oh, you know—rye bread, potatoes, berries and
mushrooms, pork, smoked fish, and dairy,” all information that can be
found with a simple Google search.

It is this lattermost question, though, that I find people back in the U.S. ask me most. “What is the food like in
Lithuania?” Of course, they are most impressed by the dishes that are more thoroughly
un-American, those like vėdarai, a sausage made of potato stuffed with the large intestine of a
pig. But perhaps the largest surprise to my family and friends is the
importance of dairy products here in Lithuania.

On my
first trip to the local grocery, I learned very quickly that this is not the
place where you will find American cheddar cheese. Lithuania has its own
brands, notably—Pieno žvaigždės, Rokiškio sūris,Vilkyškių pieninė and Žemaitijos pienas—and their products line not one, but
multiple store aisles. During my first meal at a Lithuanian restaurant, a brief
glimpse at the menu revealed that virtually every dish contained meat,
potatoes, and some form of dairy, whether cottage cheese, sour cream, or
buttermilk. And while I certainly can’t profess to be a dairy connoisseur, I
can say that I’ve yet to encounter a Lithuanian cheese I didn’t like!

Recently, however, I was introduced to a
website called Freedom Cheese, dedicated to Lithuanian-made cheese that is banned in Russia. “In
general, all of Lithuanian milk products are banned,” the website says, “so by
buying them you will support democracy, freedom, openness, and integration.”
The site goes on to say that, “Russia has a history of banning food products
from countries with which it is sparring politically. It has, in the past,
banned wine from Georgia, chocolate from Ukraine and, in 2010, chicken thighs
from the U.S."

“Now,” the website continues, “it is
Lithuania’s turn. Last week, Russia banned imports of Lithuanian dairy products
after Gennady Onishchenko, the head of Russia’s health watchdog, said his
agency found high traces of yeast, fungus and bacteria from intestinal tracts
in them.” Ironically, this ban comes just one month before “Lithuania will host
a summit at which three ex-Soviet states are expected to sign association
agreements with the European Union, moving them farther outside Moscow's orbit.”

I certainly cannot comment on Russia’s motives; however, I can say that I’ve indulged in my fair share of Lithuanian
dairy, and I’ve yet to experience any ill effects to my health. But what are
your thoughts? Check out freedomcheese.com and share them below!

Other Links

Disclaimer

All content provided on this blog is for informational purposes only. The authors of this blog make no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information on this site or found by following any link on this site. The views expressed by the authors on this blog are strictly personal and do not reflect official views of any government institution or organization. The authors of the blog will not be liable for any errors or omissions in this information nor for the availability of this information. Comments on this website are the sole responsibility of their writers. These terms and conditions of use are subject to change at anytime and without notice.